Tanner McLachlan


Tanner McLachlan is a Canadian professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Arizona Wildcats.

Early life

McLachlan attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

College career

McLachlan played wide receiver and tight end at Southern Utah University from 2018 to 2021 and totaled 15 receptions for 168 yards. In 2022, he transferred to the University of Arizona as a walk-on. In his first year at Arizona in 2022, McLachlan started seven of 12 games and had 34 receptions for 456 yards and two touchdowns. As a senior in 2023, he recorded 45 catches for 528 yards and four touchdowns. He finished his career with 79 receptions which broke Rob Gronkowski's school record for career receptions by a tight end, 984 yards and six touchdowns.

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

McLachlan was selected 194th overall in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. McLachlan was also the third highest rated prospect ahead of the 2024 CFL draft where he was selected 51st overall in the sixth round by the Calgary Stampeders.
On August 26, 2025, McLachlan was waived by the Bengals with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts.

Los Angeles Chargers

On December 11, 2025, McLachlan was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. He spent time on and off the Chargers practice squad before signing a reserve/future contract on January 13, 2026.